US20180099501A1 - Modular print engine unit - Google Patents
Modular print engine unit Download PDFInfo
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- US20180099501A1 US20180099501A1 US15/838,838 US201715838838A US2018099501A1 US 20180099501 A1 US20180099501 A1 US 20180099501A1 US 201715838838 A US201715838838 A US 201715838838A US 2018099501 A1 US2018099501 A1 US 2018099501A1
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- Prior art keywords
- printhead
- print engine
- engine unit
- modular print
- printing
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/145—Arrangement thereof
- B41J2/155—Arrangement thereof for line printing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/145—Arrangement thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
- B41J2/04501—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits
- B41J2/04505—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits aiming at correcting alignment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2/045—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
- B41J2/04501—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits
- B41J2/04586—Control methods or devices therefor, e.g. driver circuits, control circuits controlling heads of a type not covered by groups B41J2/04575 - B41J2/04585, or of an undefined type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
- B41J2/16585—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/20—Modules
Definitions
- a media-wide array configuration for a printing apparatus such as an inkjet printer, comprises one or several rows of nozzles that are arranged in an array that is as wide as the media to be printed.
- the media to be printed may be passed just once under such nozzles during a printing operation, enabling high printing speed.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular print engine unit
- FIG. 2 shows an example of a printhead module for use with a modular print engine unit of FIG. 1 in further detail
- FIG. 3 shows an example of a printhead module in situ in an example of an application
- FIGS. 4 a to 4 e show an example of a sifting mechanism
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show an example of a capping mechanism
- FIGS. 6 a , 6 b and 6 c shows photographs of an example of a capping mechanism
- FIGS. 7 a to 7 c show photographs of an example of a service carriage of a service sub-system
- FIG. 8 shows an example of a side-plate
- FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are examples showing a modular print engine unit in an example of an application.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular print engine unit 100 for independently operable use in a media-wide array printing apparatus.
- the modular print engine unit 100 comprises multiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N .
- Each printhead module 101 comprises multiple printing dies 104 1 to 104 M , with each printing die comprising multiple nozzles 103 (for example arranged in X rows of nozzles).
- the modular print engine unit 100 comprises a printing fluid supply system 105 to feed, in use, printing fluid to the multiple printhead modules.
- the modular print engine unit 100 comprises a print alignment module 107 operable, in use, to align the multiple printhead modules, for example relative to a media being printed, and an error detection module 109 which is operable, in use, to detect an operating status of the multiple nozzles (for example for proper operation, such as being blocked or working, or detecting drop volume status, or drop trajectory status).
- the modular print engine unit 100 further comprises a service sub-system 111 operable, in use, to service the multiple nozzles.
- media to be printed is moved in a media advance direction 116 , which is a direction substantially orthogonal to an axis 113 on which the printhead modules 101 may be arranged (the axis 113 also referred to as a pen direction, or printhead direction, or page width direction).
- the media to be printed travels below or opposite the plurality of nozzles (or in front of them in a vertical printer).
- each modular print engine unit 100 is independently operable, and comprises printing fluid hardware, (for example color printing hardware, such as mechanical and electrical hardware, for X printing fluids, for example four color inks, via the printing fluid supply system), servicing hardware, error detection mechanisms, and print alignment mechanisms. It is noted that the modular print engine unit 100 may comprise other functional units if desired.
- a media-wide array printing apparatus may comprise a plurality of modular print engine units 100 , each of the modular print engine units 100 being independently operable.
- FIG. 2 shows further details of an example of a printhead module 101 for use in a modular print engine unit 100 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- each printhead module 101 in the set of printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N comprises a set of printing dies 104 1 to 104 M .
- the printing dies are arranged, for example, in two rows.
- the printing dies 104 are arranged along the length of the printhead module 101 .
- the printing dies 104 1 to 104 M are arranged to overlap so as to cover substantially the length of the printhead module (such that nozzles are effectively provided substantially along the length of the printhead module, with the overlap enabling the discontinuity of the printing dies to be hidden, such that an image quality (IQ) artifact is not produced).
- IQ image quality
- a printing die may comprise any number X of rows of nozzles.
- four rows of nozzles 103 may be provided in each printing die 104 (e.g. a row for each of the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow blacK, CMYK).
- a first end 101 A of a printhead module comprises a protruding printing die ( 104 1 in the example of FIG. 2 ), for overlapping in use with a protruding printing die from a printhead module adjacent to the first end.
- a second end 101 B of the printhead module comprises a protruding printing die ( 104 M in the example of FIG. 2 ), for overlapping in use with a protruding printing die from a printhead module adjacent to the second end.
- this enables the printhead modules to be arranged in a single row of printhead modules, along the common printhead axis 113 , and still obtain an overlap of the printhead modules 101 (and of the printing dies 104 within the printhead modules 101 , and hence the nozzles 103 within the printing dies 104 ).
- This allows the printhead modules 101 to be mounted on a single printhead bar 115 , which enables the printhead modules to be serviced and cleaned more easily, as will be explained later in the application. Furthermore, this arrangement enables the size of the device to be reduced.
- the S-shape of the printhead modules 101 allows the printer to have the nozzles of a print engine to be provided in a very narrow strip (referred to as a printzone), because the printhead modules can be arranged in one single row and still made to overlap one another in order to provide nozzles along the length of the modular print engine unit in a continuous manner (and for example along the width of the media-wide array printer). Without the S-shape the printhead modules would need to be staggered on different axes, for example similar to how the printing dies 104 are arranged in FIG. 2 within a printhead module.
- the S-shape also enables the number of printhead modules to be increased, without increasing the width of the printzone. This S-shape also allows scalability of the design since, by adding more S-shaped printhead modules, the width of the array can be made as wide as needed to print wider media.
- the protruding printing die of the first end 101 A protrudes from a first row of printing dies
- the protruding printing die of the second end 101 B protrudes from a second row of the printing dies.
- the first and second rows correspond to upstream and downstream rows in relation to the direction in which the media advances.
- a set of printhead modules 101 (for example comprising a set of eight S-shaped printhead modules) can be used to create a modular print engine unit with a width of about 40′′.
- the printhead modules comprise, for example, six printing dies 104 , each having four rows of nozzles (for the four different inks CMYK).
- the printing dies 104 can be arranged to overlap as shown, such that any discontinuity of the dies can be hidden, such that it does not produce a visible image quality (IQ) artifact.
- the printhead modules 101 having an S shape, can be arranged such that there is also an overlap between printhead modules.
- the modular print engine unit 100 may further comprise a printhead bar 115 to mount the multiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N along a common printhead axis 113 (as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the printhead bar 115 may comprise, for example, a single beam upon which the printhead modules 101 are hung on one side, which supports and locates accurately the printhead modules.
- the printhead bar 115 can move up and down relative to the media being printed (or away from, or towards the media being printed), as will be explained in further detail later in the application.
- FIG. 3 shows an example of a printhead module 101 in situ with other printhead modules in an example of an application, and illustrates further the S-shape of each printhead module 101 , and how the printing dies 104 are arranged to overlap within a printhead module 101 .
- the modular print engine unit 100 described above provides the functionality needed to print in a compact way (for example about 210 mm in depth) which enables multiple printhead bars to be used in parallel, if desired in a particular application, in a reasonable space, and minimizes image quality errors that grow with the distance between print engines.
- a lifting mechanism 400 may be coupled to the printhead bar 115 , for moving the printhead bar 115 towards or away from the media being printed.
- the lifting mechanism 400 enables the printhead bar 115 to be moved up and down relative to media (or away from or towards the media), such that the printer apparatus can easily accept different media thicknesses.
- FIGS. 4 a to 4 e show an example of a lifting mechanism 400 for moving the printhead bar 115 towards or away from the media being printed.
- FIG. 4 a shows an overview of how a printhead bar 115 (with printhead modules 101 being shown as fitted in the example, for example having nine printhead modules 101 fitted) interfaces with a drive motor 401 and a gearing mechanism 402 (for example reduction gearing mechanism) of the lifting mechanism 400 .
- a synchronization rod 403 may be provided to synchronize the lifting of the respective ends of the printhead bar 115 .
- the lifting mechanism comprises a guide rod 405 (for example comprising first and second separate guide rods in the example of FIG. 4 b ) to guide the lifting mechanism as the printhead bar is raised or lowered, and a lift actuator comprising a rack and pinion arrangement (comprising a rack 407 and pinion 409 ), the rack 407 and pinion 409 controlled by the drive motor 401 via the gear mechanism 402 .
- the moveable rack 407 (which is attached to the printhead bar) is driven up or down by the rotation of the fixed pinion 409 , with the guide rod(s) 405 guiding this movement.
- the rack 407 and the respective pinion 409 and guide rod(s) 405 are arranged in this example on both ends of the printhead bar, the operation of which may be synchronized using a synchronization bar 403 as described above.
- the guide rods 405 act to guide the lifting and lowering of the printhead bar 115 , with the rack 407 and pinion 409 being driven by the drive motor 401 via the gearing mechanism 402 .
- the lifting mechanism may comprise a brake 411 as shown in FIG. 4 b.
- FIG. 4 c shows further details of a brake actuator 413 and an alternative brake 415 .
- FIG. 4 d shows another illustration of an example of the printhead bar 115 (with the printhead modules removed in this example), showing in further detail first and second racks 407 on respective ends of the lifting mechanism.
- FIG. 4 e is another illustration of an example of the lifting mechanism 400 , showing the drive motor 401 , a guide rod 405 (which guides a corresponding bushing provided on the printhead bar, not shown), the pinion 409 which engages and drives the moving rack 407 (the moving rack 407 , not shown, being attached to the printhead bar, also not shown).
- the gear mechanism 402 is coupled between the drive motor 401 and the pinion 409 , for reducing the speed of the drive motor 401 .
- the lifting mechanism 400 may also comprise first and second stops (not shown) that are arranged to provide a selected distance between the set of printhead modules and the media being printed.
- the lifting mechanism enables both sides of the machine to move at the same time because they are linked through a synchronization bar 403 .
- the printhead bar 115 rests on the first and second stops that provide the correct distance between the printhead modules and the media to be printed.
- An adjusting mechanism may be provided to move the first and second stops, thereby adjusting the distance between the printhead modules and the media to a selected distance.
- an adjusting mechanism to move the first and second stops in a vertical direction i.e. perpendicular to a plane of the media being printed
- a vertical direction i.e. perpendicular to a plane of the media being printed
- the lifting mechanism also provides a means for moving the printhead bar 115 up and down for other printing operations, for example wiping, capping, spitting, priming, drop detection, printhead module replacement and printhead module alignment, in addition to printing.
- the printhead bar 115 comprises at least one interface for coupling to at least one respective interface on the set of printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N .
- the at least one interface may comprise, for example:
- the printer apparatus is modular with a clear set of interfaces, this has the advantage of simplifying its reuse in different printer architectures and sizes.
- the printhead bar 115 comprises a latching mechanism for attaching and detaching a printhead module 101 to the printhead bar.
- the latching mechanism provides a means to replace printhead modules 101 and latch them into place.
- the latching mechanism attaches a printhead module to the printhead bar and ensures the proper operation of all the interfaces (both mechanical, such as fluid, and electrical).
- the modular print engine unit 100 comprises a capping mechanism 117 , wherein the capping mechanism protects the nozzles 103 when the printer apparatus is not in use.
- This has the advantage of keeping the nozzles 103 in a good condition while the nozzles are not being used, and protects the nozzles from drying.
- FIG. 5 a there is shown an example of a capping mechanism 117 .
- the capping mechanism is pivotably coupled to a static part of the modular print engine unit, for example pivotably coupled about a shaft 501 .
- the pivotable coupling enables the capping mechanism 117 to pivot and reside under the nozzles 103 of the printhead modules 101 when the printer apparatus is not in use.
- the capping mechanism 117 can be pivoted to reside in a position beside the printhead modules 101 when the printer is in use (for example folded vertically to take less space).
- Reference 503 illustrates the location in which the nozzles may be positioned, close to the media, when printing.
- Reference 505 shows a torsional spring that may be used, for example, to pivot the capping mechanism 117 about its shaft 501 , between capping and non-capping positions.
- Reference 507 illustrates the up and down movement of the printhead bar by the lifting mechanism described above.
- FIG. 5 b shows a further illustration of how the capping mechanism may be arranged with other components in an example.
- the pivotable action of the capping mechanism 117 enables the capping mechanism 117 to stay under the printhead modules 101 and seal a nozzle plate of the printhead modules to avoid the ink getting dry while the printer is not printing (i.e. in a capping position).
- the printhead bar 115 is raised, the capping mechanism 117 pivoted to allow it to be folded vertically beside the printhead modules 101 (to a folded position), with the printhead bar 115 then being lowered back down over the print zone at the printing position.
- the capping mechanism 117 takes little space in the media movement direction. This is because, in the folded position, the capping mechanism 117 resides above the printhead modules.
- FIGS. 6 a , 6 b and 6 c show photographs of an example of a printer apparatus, with FIG. 6 a showing the capping mechanism in a capping position (i.e. when the printer apparatus is not in use), FIG. 6 b showing the capping mechanism in the process of being folded, and FIG. 6 c showing the capping mechanism in a completely folded position (with a printhead bar in a position ready for printing).
- the pivot point in this example is provided in a lower corner.
- the printing fluid supply system 105 comprises mechanical and electrical units for printing four or more fluids, for example four or more colored inks.
- the printing fluid supply system may comprise fluid channels for communicating different inks to the various printhead modules, the printing dies on the printhead modules, and the nozzles on the printing dies.
- the service sub-system 111 of the modular print engine unit 100 comprises a service carriage 119 , and a service beam for mounting the service carriage 119 .
- the axis of the service beam is arranged in parallel to the axis of a printhead bar mounting the set of printhead modules.
- the service beam allows the service carriage 119 to be moved during use to service the plurality of nozzles. Since a plurality of printhead modules can be located on the same printhead bar, this makes the service beam easier to locate next to it.
- FIGS. 7 a to 7 b show photographs of an example of a service carriage 119 of a service sub-system 111 .
- FIG. 7 a shows the service carriage in a parking position
- FIG. 7 b the service carriage in a wiping operation
- FIG. 7 c another view of a wiping operation.
- the service carriage 119 may comprise a wiper mechanism to mechanically clean the plurality of nozzles as the service carriage moves along the service beam.
- the wiper mechanism may comprise, for example, a textile element for cleaning the nozzles.
- the wiper mechanism and the web of textile move sideways when deployed during use (in the cross-media direction), thereby cleaning the nozzle plate of the printhead modules from its narrow side.
- the wiper mechanism can be guided partly using a slider rod attached to the service beam, and partly by the structure of the capping mechanism.
- the means to move the wiper mechanism may comprise, for example, a motor, belt and encoder strip, which are connected using a trailing cable, all of which may be integrated in the modular print engine unit 100 .
- the service carriage 119 may further comprise a spittoon mechanism to keep the nozzles healthily spitting while they have not printed for a long time.
- the spittoon may be located close to the printzone. To spit, the printhead bar is raised and the spittoon deployed under the nozzle plate. The printhead bar is then moved on top of the spittoon to seal the nozzle plates while spitting to avoid aerosol generation. After spitting the process is reversed to return the printhead bar back to its printing position.
- a blowing mechanism may be provided to blow ink out of the nozzles.
- a blow prime may be provided in the latching mechanism, and connected to the printhead module when the latch is closed.
- a protrusion may be provided on a top surface of the printhead module to allow air to be blown, that aligns with a blowing pump exhaust.
- the blowing mechanism has the advantage of enabling ink to be blown out of the nozzles during use, i.e. blow prime.
- the print alignment module 107 of the modular print engine unit 100 comprises an optical sensor, for use in aligning the printhead modules.
- the print alignment module 109 may be provided in the service carriage.
- the optical sensor may comprise, for example, a plurality of illuminants (for example three or four LEDs of different colors), and can be used to align the printhead modules by sensing lines printed on the media, or to calibrate color (through the use of the different illuminants).
- the error detection module 109 of the modular print engine unit 100 comprises a plurality of optical drop detectors for detecting malfunction of a nozzle 103 .
- the error detection module may comprise, for example, twelve optical detectors.
- the plurality of drop detectors may be provided on the service carriage 119 , and wherein the detection is performed by moving the service carriage 119 along the printhead bar while spitting the nozzles.
- the modular print engine unit 100 of FIG. 1 further comprises first and second side-plates 122 , an example of which is shown in FIG. 8 , wherein each side-plate 122 supports a stationary part of the modular print engine unit 100 .
- a first and second of such side-plates 122 provide a datum (for example using datum elements 123 ) for the modular print engine unit 100 with respect to the remainder of a page-wide array printing apparatus into which the modular print engine unit 100 is incorporated.
- FIG. 8 shows the datum elements 123 on a lower part of a side-plate 122 , that locate accurately the modular print engine unit 100 into the structure of a printer apparatus.
- FIG. 9 a shows an example of a printer apparatus comprising one modular print engine unit 100 .
- FIG. 9 b shows an example of a printer apparatus comprising two modular print engine units 100 , spaced 210 mm apart for example. It can be seen that the narrow section of the modular print engine unit 100 allows a compact machine layout.
- the width of a printer apparatus can be grown by adding more S-shaped printhead modules together on a common axis to form a longer printhead bar, and hence a longer modular print engine unit.
- the S-shaped printhead modules therefore provide scalability.
- Having more than one modular print engine unit 100 arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 9 b enables redundancy to be provided, that can be used, for example, for hiding defects. For example, a faulty nozzle may be replaced, or small variances of color may be averaged between dies.
- the examples described above provide a means of printing four or more colors, while having a narrow printzone due to the S-shape disposition of its printhead modules.
- the printhead modules can be serviced, which includes capping, wiping, spitting, printhead blow priming.
- the examples also provide drop detection in order to detect the operating status of the nozzles, such as correct operation of the nozzles, and provide the hardware for printhead module alignment. These features allow for replacement of a printhead module by a non-trained user.
- the examples described above provide this functionality in a compact way (for example a 210 mm depth in an example of an implementation) which enables the use of multiple printhead bars in parallel in a reasonable space and minimizes the image quality errors that grow with the distance between print engines.
- the examples are modular with a clear set of interfaces which simplifies its reuse in different printer architectures and sizes.
- the examples provide a modular print engine with its own structure that includes the components needed to print and maintain the health of the nozzles over time.
- the examples described above provide a modular print engine unit that can print with accuracy, and with means to feed ink, power and data to the printhead modules.
- Means are provided to keep the nozzles in good condition while not using them, protecting them from drying (for example by using a capping station or mechanism).
- a spittoon can be provided for keep the nozzles healthy spitting while they have not printed for a long time.
- Means for mechanically cleaning the nozzles from dirt fibers or ink accumulation may be provided (in the form of a wiper mechanism).
- Means may also be provided to clean blowing ink out of the print-heads (i.e. blow prime).
- Alignment means for aligning the printhead modules is also provided, such that no step between them is noticeable in the printed media.
- An error detection module is provided for detecting missing or malfunctioning nozzles.
- the error detection module may comprise an optical drop detector, for example.
- the examples include mechanisms to accommodate to different media thickness (for raising the printhead modules during printing depending on
- This functionality is provided in the compact modular print engine units that are used to form a page-wide array printing apparatus.
- This compactness is advantageous in applications where several of the modular print engine units are used in a given printer configuration, in order to have better image quality by means of having redundancy of the drops, or to fit more inks to have a larger color gamut.
- the modular architecture also enables the modular print engine units to be easily reused in a wide range of printer architectures, which has the advantage of spreading the development costs of such modular print engine units.
- the examples allow even a non-trained user to replace part of the array (the printhead modules) to increase reliability.
- a modular print engine unit 100 comprises multiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N , each printhead module 101 comprising multiple printing dies 104 1 to 104 M , and each printing die 104 comprising multiple nozzles 103 ; a printing fluid supply system 105 to feed, in use, printing fluid to the printhead modules.
- the modular print engine unit comprises a print alignment module 107 operable, in use, to align the multiple printhead modules, for example relative to a media being printed, and further comprises at least one of: an error detection module 109 operable, in use, to detect proper operation of the multiple nozzles; and a service sub-system 111 operable, in use, to service the multiple nozzles.
- the examples provide a modular architecture which is scalable to any width of printer apparatus.
- a printer apparatus for example a media-wide array printing apparatus, may comprise a modular print engine unit 100 as described in any of the examples above, or a plurality of modular print engine units 100 as described above.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/316,408 filed Dec. 6, 2016, which is a U.S. National Stage Application of and claims priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2014/061758, filed on Jun. 5, 2014, and entitled “MODULAR PRINT ENGINE UNIT,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- A media-wide array configuration for a printing apparatus, such as an inkjet printer, comprises one or several rows of nozzles that are arranged in an array that is as wide as the media to be printed. The media to be printed may be passed just once under such nozzles during a printing operation, enabling high printing speed.
- For a better understanding of examples described herein, and to show more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular print engine unit; -
FIG. 2 shows an example of a printhead module for use with a modular print engine unit ofFIG. 1 in further detail; -
FIG. 3 shows an example of a printhead module in situ in an example of an application; -
FIGS. 4a to 4e show an example of a sifting mechanism; -
FIGS. 5a and 5b show an example of a capping mechanism; -
FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c shows photographs of an example of a capping mechanism; -
FIGS. 7a to 7c show photographs of an example of a service carriage of a service sub-system; -
FIG. 8 shows an example of a side-plate; and -
FIGS. 9a and 9b are examples showing a modular print engine unit in an example of an application. -
FIG. 1 shows an example of a modularprint engine unit 100 for independently operable use in a media-wide array printing apparatus. The modularprint engine unit 100 comprisesmultiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N. Eachprinthead module 101 comprises multiple printing dies 104 1 to 104 M, with each printing die comprising multiple nozzles 103 (for example arranged in X rows of nozzles). The modularprint engine unit 100 comprises a printingfluid supply system 105 to feed, in use, printing fluid to the multiple printhead modules. Furthermore, the modularprint engine unit 100 comprises aprint alignment module 107 operable, in use, to align the multiple printhead modules, for example relative to a media being printed, and anerror detection module 109 which is operable, in use, to detect an operating status of the multiple nozzles (for example for proper operation, such as being blocked or working, or detecting drop volume status, or drop trajectory status). The modularprint engine unit 100 further comprises aservice sub-system 111 operable, in use, to service the multiple nozzles. - During use, media to be printed is moved in a
media advance direction 116, which is a direction substantially orthogonal to anaxis 113 on which theprinthead modules 101 may be arranged (theaxis 113 also referred to as a pen direction, or printhead direction, or page width direction). The media to be printed travels below or opposite the plurality of nozzles (or in front of them in a vertical printer). - The examples described herein provide a compact layout for a modular print engine unit, and provide for example a complete inkjet print engine for a large format printer. By complete it is meant that each modular
print engine unit 100 is independently operable, and comprises printing fluid hardware, (for example color printing hardware, such as mechanical and electrical hardware, for X printing fluids, for example four color inks, via the printing fluid supply system), servicing hardware, error detection mechanisms, and print alignment mechanisms. It is noted that the modularprint engine unit 100 may comprise other functional units if desired. - A media-wide array printing apparatus may comprise a plurality of modular
print engine units 100, each of the modularprint engine units 100 being independently operable. -
FIG. 2 shows further details of an example of aprinthead module 101 for use in a modularprint engine unit 100 as shown inFIG. 1 . As indicated above eachprinthead module 101 in the set ofprinthead modules 101 1 to 101 N comprises a set ofprinting dies 104 1 to 104 M. The printing dies are arranged, for example, in two rows. Theprinting dies 104 are arranged along the length of theprinthead module 101. The printing dies 104 1 to 104 M are arranged to overlap so as to cover substantially the length of the printhead module (such that nozzles are effectively provided substantially along the length of the printhead module, with the overlap enabling the discontinuity of the printing dies to be hidden, such that an image quality (IQ) artifact is not produced). - Although two rows of
nozzles 103 are shown within a printing die 104 inFIGS. 1 and 2 for purposes of clarity, it is noted that a printing die may comprise any number X of rows of nozzles. For example, in a modularprint engine unit 100 that is configured to print four inks, four rows ofnozzles 103 may be provided in each printing die 104 (e.g. a row for each of the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow blacK, CMYK). - As can be seen from
FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to one example themultiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N are arranged on acommon printhead axis 113. Afirst end 101 A of a printhead module comprises a protruding printing die (104 1 in the example ofFIG. 2 ), for overlapping in use with a protruding printing die from a printhead module adjacent to the first end. Asecond end 101 B of the printhead module comprises a protruding printing die (104 M in the example ofFIG. 2 ), for overlapping in use with a protruding printing die from a printhead module adjacent to the second end. - By shaping the
printhead modules 101 in this way, in an S-shaped configuration, this enables the printhead modules to be arranged in a single row of printhead modules, along thecommon printhead axis 113, and still obtain an overlap of the printhead modules 101 (and of the printing dies 104 within theprinthead modules 101, and hence thenozzles 103 within the printing dies 104). This allows theprinthead modules 101 to be mounted on asingle printhead bar 115, which enables the printhead modules to be serviced and cleaned more easily, as will be explained later in the application. Furthermore, this arrangement enables the size of the device to be reduced. In other words, the S-shape of theprinthead modules 101 allows the printer to have the nozzles of a print engine to be provided in a very narrow strip (referred to as a printzone), because the printhead modules can be arranged in one single row and still made to overlap one another in order to provide nozzles along the length of the modular print engine unit in a continuous manner (and for example along the width of the media-wide array printer). Without the S-shape the printhead modules would need to be staggered on different axes, for example similar to how the printing dies 104 are arranged inFIG. 2 within a printhead module. By enabling theprinthead modules 101 to be arranged on a common axis, this minimizes image quality errors that grow with the distance between nozzles printing in the same spot of the media. The S-shape also enables the number of printhead modules to be increased, without increasing the width of the printzone. This S-shape also allows scalability of the design since, by adding more S-shaped printhead modules, the width of the array can be made as wide as needed to print wider media. - In the example of
FIG. 2 it can be seen that the protruding printing die of thefirst end 101 A protrudes from a first row of printing dies, and the protruding printing die of thesecond end 101 B protrudes from a second row of the printing dies. The first and second rows correspond to upstream and downstream rows in relation to the direction in which the media advances. - In an example of a printer apparatus application, a set of printhead modules 101 (for example comprising a set of eight S-shaped printhead modules) can be used to create a modular print engine unit with a width of about 40″. The printhead modules comprise, for example, six printing dies 104, each having four rows of nozzles (for the four different inks CMYK). The
printing dies 104 can be arranged to overlap as shown, such that any discontinuity of the dies can be hidden, such that it does not produce a visible image quality (IQ) artifact. Theprinthead modules 101, having an S shape, can be arranged such that there is also an overlap between printhead modules. Thus, from the above, it can be seen that the S-shape of the printhead modules allows a printer apparatus to have all the nozzles in arranged in a narrow strip (printzone). - The modular
print engine unit 100 may further comprise aprinthead bar 115 to mount themultiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N along a common printhead axis 113 (as shown inFIG. 1 ). - The
printhead bar 115 may comprise, for example, a single beam upon which theprinthead modules 101 are hung on one side, which supports and locates accurately the printhead modules. Theprinthead bar 115 can move up and down relative to the media being printed (or away from, or towards the media being printed), as will be explained in further detail later in the application. -
FIG. 3 shows an example of aprinthead module 101 in situ with other printhead modules in an example of an application, and illustrates further the S-shape of eachprinthead module 101, and how theprinting dies 104 are arranged to overlap within aprinthead module 101. - The modular
print engine unit 100 described above provides the functionality needed to print in a compact way (for example about 210 mm in depth) which enables multiple printhead bars to be used in parallel, if desired in a particular application, in a reasonable space, and minimizes image quality errors that grow with the distance between print engines. - According to one example, a lifting mechanism 400 may be coupled to the
printhead bar 115, for moving theprinthead bar 115 towards or away from the media being printed. - The lifting mechanism 400 enables the
printhead bar 115 to be moved up and down relative to media (or away from or towards the media), such that the printer apparatus can easily accept different media thicknesses. -
FIGS. 4a to 4e show an example of a lifting mechanism 400 for moving theprinthead bar 115 towards or away from the media being printed. -
FIG. 4a shows an overview of how a printhead bar 115 (withprinthead modules 101 being shown as fitted in the example, for example having nineprinthead modules 101 fitted) interfaces with adrive motor 401 and a gearing mechanism 402 (for example reduction gearing mechanism) of the lifting mechanism 400. Asynchronization rod 403 may be provided to synchronize the lifting of the respective ends of theprinthead bar 115. - Referring to
FIG. 4b , which shows one end of the lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism comprises a guide rod 405 (for example comprising first and second separate guide rods in the example ofFIG. 4b ) to guide the lifting mechanism as the printhead bar is raised or lowered, and a lift actuator comprising a rack and pinion arrangement (comprising arack 407 and pinion 409), therack 407 andpinion 409 controlled by thedrive motor 401 via thegear mechanism 402. The moveable rack 407 (which is attached to the printhead bar) is driven up or down by the rotation of the fixedpinion 409, with the guide rod(s) 405 guiding this movement. Therack 407 and therespective pinion 409 and guide rod(s) 405 are arranged in this example on both ends of the printhead bar, the operation of which may be synchronized using asynchronization bar 403 as described above. - Thus, in
FIG. 4b theguide rods 405 act to guide the lifting and lowering of theprinthead bar 115, with therack 407 andpinion 409 being driven by thedrive motor 401 via thegearing mechanism 402. The lifting mechanism may comprise abrake 411 as shown inFIG. 4 b. -
FIG. 4c shows further details of abrake actuator 413 and analternative brake 415. -
FIG. 4d shows another illustration of an example of the printhead bar 115 (with the printhead modules removed in this example), showing in further detail first andsecond racks 407 on respective ends of the lifting mechanism. -
FIG. 4e is another illustration of an example of the lifting mechanism 400, showing thedrive motor 401, a guide rod 405 (which guides a corresponding bushing provided on the printhead bar, not shown), thepinion 409 which engages and drives the moving rack 407 (the movingrack 407, not shown, being attached to the printhead bar, also not shown). Thegear mechanism 402 is coupled between thedrive motor 401 and thepinion 409, for reducing the speed of thedrive motor 401. - The lifting mechanism 400 may also comprise first and second stops (not shown) that are arranged to provide a selected distance between the set of printhead modules and the media being printed.
- The lifting mechanism enables both sides of the machine to move at the same time because they are linked through a
synchronization bar 403. Theprinthead bar 115, during printing, rests on the first and second stops that provide the correct distance between the printhead modules and the media to be printed. - An adjusting mechanism may be provided to move the first and second stops, thereby adjusting the distance between the printhead modules and the media to a selected distance.
- The provision of an adjusting mechanism to move the first and second stops in a vertical direction (i.e. perpendicular to a plane of the media being printed) can be fitted to enable the printing height to accommodate a range of media thicknesses.
- The lifting mechanism also provides a means for moving the
printhead bar 115 up and down for other printing operations, for example wiping, capping, spitting, priming, drop detection, printhead module replacement and printhead module alignment, in addition to printing. - In one example the
printhead bar 115 comprises at least one interface for coupling to at least one respective interface on the set ofprinthead modules 101 1 to 101 N. - The at least one interface may comprise, for example:
-
- a plurality of mechanical interfaces to locate the set of printhead modules accurately;
- a plurality of fluid interfaces to feed the set of printhead modules with printing fluid, for example ink, for example to feed the printhead modules with four different inks; and
- a plurality of electrical interfaces to feed the set of printhead modules with power and data.
- Thus, since the printer apparatus is modular with a clear set of interfaces, this has the advantage of simplifying its reuse in different printer architectures and sizes.
- In one example the
printhead bar 115 comprises a latching mechanism for attaching and detaching aprinthead module 101 to the printhead bar. The latching mechanism provides a means to replaceprinthead modules 101 and latch them into place. The latching mechanism attaches a printhead module to the printhead bar and ensures the proper operation of all the interfaces (both mechanical, such as fluid, and electrical). - According to another example the modular
print engine unit 100 comprises acapping mechanism 117, wherein the capping mechanism protects thenozzles 103 when the printer apparatus is not in use. This has the advantage of keeping thenozzles 103 in a good condition while the nozzles are not being used, and protects the nozzles from drying. - Referring to
FIG. 5a , there is shown an example of acapping mechanism 117. In this example the capping mechanism is pivotably coupled to a static part of the modular print engine unit, for example pivotably coupled about ashaft 501. The pivotable coupling enables thecapping mechanism 117 to pivot and reside under thenozzles 103 of theprinthead modules 101 when the printer apparatus is not in use. Thecapping mechanism 117 can be pivoted to reside in a position beside theprinthead modules 101 when the printer is in use (for example folded vertically to take less space).Reference 503 illustrates the location in which the nozzles may be positioned, close to the media, when printing.Reference 505 shows a torsional spring that may be used, for example, to pivot thecapping mechanism 117 about itsshaft 501, between capping and non-capping positions.Reference 507 illustrates the up and down movement of the printhead bar by the lifting mechanism described above. -
FIG. 5b shows a further illustration of how the capping mechanism may be arranged with other components in an example. - The pivotable action of the
capping mechanism 117 enables thecapping mechanism 117 to stay under theprinthead modules 101 and seal a nozzle plate of the printhead modules to avoid the ink getting dry while the printer is not printing (i.e. in a capping position). To print, theprinthead bar 115 is raised, thecapping mechanism 117 pivoted to allow it to be folded vertically beside the printhead modules 101 (to a folded position), with theprinthead bar 115 then being lowered back down over the print zone at the printing position. In the folded position thecapping mechanism 117 takes little space in the media movement direction. This is because, in the folded position, thecapping mechanism 117 resides above the printhead modules. -
FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c show photographs of an example of a printer apparatus, withFIG. 6a showing the capping mechanism in a capping position (i.e. when the printer apparatus is not in use),FIG. 6b showing the capping mechanism in the process of being folded, andFIG. 6c showing the capping mechanism in a completely folded position (with a printhead bar in a position ready for printing). The pivot point in this example is provided in a lower corner. - According to one example the printing
fluid supply system 105 comprises mechanical and electrical units for printing four or more fluids, for example four or more colored inks. The printing fluid supply system may comprise fluid channels for communicating different inks to the various printhead modules, the printing dies on the printhead modules, and the nozzles on the printing dies. - According to one example the
service sub-system 111 of the modularprint engine unit 100 comprises aservice carriage 119, and a service beam for mounting theservice carriage 119. The axis of the service beam is arranged in parallel to the axis of a printhead bar mounting the set of printhead modules. The service beam allows theservice carriage 119 to be moved during use to service the plurality of nozzles. Since a plurality of printhead modules can be located on the same printhead bar, this makes the service beam easier to locate next to it. -
FIGS. 7a to 7b show photographs of an example of aservice carriage 119 of aservice sub-system 111.FIG. 7a shows the service carriage in a parking position,FIG. 7b the service carriage in a wiping operation, andFIG. 7c another view of a wiping operation. - The
service carriage 119 may comprise a wiper mechanism to mechanically clean the plurality of nozzles as the service carriage moves along the service beam. - This enables the nozzles to be cleaned while the wiper mechanism is moved along the service beam. The wiper mechanism may comprise, for example, a textile element for cleaning the nozzles. The wiper mechanism and the web of textile move sideways when deployed during use (in the cross-media direction), thereby cleaning the nozzle plate of the printhead modules from its narrow side. When the wiper mechanism cleans the nozzles, some ink is sucked from them by the capillarity of the textile (which acts similar to a sponge). The wiper mechanism can be guided partly using a slider rod attached to the service beam, and partly by the structure of the capping mechanism. The means to move the wiper mechanism may comprise, for example, a motor, belt and encoder strip, which are connected using a trailing cable, all of which may be integrated in the modular
print engine unit 100. - The
service carriage 119 may further comprise a spittoon mechanism to keep the nozzles healthily spitting while they have not printed for a long time. The spittoon may be located close to the printzone. To spit, the printhead bar is raised and the spittoon deployed under the nozzle plate. The printhead bar is then moved on top of the spittoon to seal the nozzle plates while spitting to avoid aerosol generation. After spitting the process is reversed to return the printhead bar back to its printing position. - A blowing mechanism may be provided to blow ink out of the nozzles. For example a blow prime may be provided in the latching mechanism, and connected to the printhead module when the latch is closed. A protrusion may be provided on a top surface of the printhead module to allow air to be blown, that aligns with a blowing pump exhaust. The blowing mechanism has the advantage of enabling ink to be blown out of the nozzles during use, i.e. blow prime.
- According to one example the
print alignment module 107 of the modularprint engine unit 100 comprises an optical sensor, for use in aligning the printhead modules. Theprint alignment module 109 may be provided in the service carriage. The optical sensor may comprise, for example, a plurality of illuminants (for example three or four LEDs of different colors), and can be used to align the printhead modules by sensing lines printed on the media, or to calibrate color (through the use of the different illuminants). - According to one example the
error detection module 109 of the modularprint engine unit 100 comprises a plurality of optical drop detectors for detecting malfunction of anozzle 103. The error detection module may comprise, for example, twelve optical detectors. The plurality of drop detectors may be provided on theservice carriage 119, and wherein the detection is performed by moving theservice carriage 119 along the printhead bar while spitting the nozzles. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , according to one example, the modularprint engine unit 100 ofFIG. 1 further comprises first and second side-plates 122, an example of which is shown inFIG. 8 , wherein each side-plate 122 supports a stationary part of the modularprint engine unit 100. A first and second of such side-plates 122 provide a datum (for example using datum elements 123) for the modularprint engine unit 100 with respect to the remainder of a page-wide array printing apparatus into which the modularprint engine unit 100 is incorporated.FIG. 8 shows thedatum elements 123 on a lower part of a side-plate 122, that locate accurately the modularprint engine unit 100 into the structure of a printer apparatus. -
FIG. 9a shows an example of a printer apparatus comprising one modularprint engine unit 100.FIG. 9b shows an example of a printer apparatus comprising two modularprint engine units 100, spaced 210 mm apart for example. It can be seen that the narrow section of the modularprint engine unit 100 allows a compact machine layout. The width of a printer apparatus can be grown by adding more S-shaped printhead modules together on a common axis to form a longer printhead bar, and hence a longer modular print engine unit. The S-shaped printhead modules therefore provide scalability. - Having more than one modular
print engine unit 100 arranged in parallel as shown inFIG. 9b enables redundancy to be provided, that can be used, for example, for hiding defects. For example, a faulty nozzle may be replaced, or small variances of color may be averaged between dies. - The examples described above provide a means of printing four or more colors, while having a narrow printzone due to the S-shape disposition of its printhead modules. The printhead modules can be serviced, which includes capping, wiping, spitting, printhead blow priming. The examples also provide drop detection in order to detect the operating status of the nozzles, such as correct operation of the nozzles, and provide the hardware for printhead module alignment. These features allow for replacement of a printhead module by a non-trained user. In addition, the examples described above provide this functionality in a compact way (for example a 210 mm depth in an example of an implementation) which enables the use of multiple printhead bars in parallel in a reasonable space and minimizes the image quality errors that grow with the distance between print engines.
- The examples are modular with a clear set of interfaces which simplifies its reuse in different printer architectures and sizes.
- It can be seen from the above that the examples provide a modular print engine with its own structure that includes the components needed to print and maintain the health of the nozzles over time.
- The examples described above provide a modular print engine unit that can print with accuracy, and with means to feed ink, power and data to the printhead modules. Means are provided to keep the nozzles in good condition while not using them, protecting them from drying (for example by using a capping station or mechanism). A spittoon can be provided for keep the nozzles healthy spitting while they have not printed for a long time. Means for mechanically cleaning the nozzles from dirt fibers or ink accumulation may be provided (in the form of a wiper mechanism). Means may also be provided to clean blowing ink out of the print-heads (i.e. blow prime). Alignment means for aligning the printhead modules is also provided, such that no step between them is noticeable in the printed media. An error detection module is provided for detecting missing or malfunctioning nozzles. The error detection module may comprise an optical drop detector, for example. The examples include mechanisms to accommodate to different media thickness (for raising the printhead modules during printing depending on the thickness of the media or other factors).
- This functionality is provided in the compact modular print engine units that are used to form a page-wide array printing apparatus. This compactness is advantageous in applications where several of the modular print engine units are used in a given printer configuration, in order to have better image quality by means of having redundancy of the drops, or to fit more inks to have a larger color gamut.
- The modular architecture also enables the modular print engine units to be easily reused in a wide range of printer architectures, which has the advantage of spreading the development costs of such modular print engine units.
- The examples allow even a non-trained user to replace part of the array (the printhead modules) to increase reliability.
- According to one example a modular
print engine unit 100 comprisesmultiple printhead modules 101 1 to 101 N, eachprinthead module 101 comprising multiple printing dies 104 1 to 104 M, and each printing die 104 comprisingmultiple nozzles 103; a printingfluid supply system 105 to feed, in use, printing fluid to the printhead modules. The modular print engine unit comprises aprint alignment module 107 operable, in use, to align the multiple printhead modules, for example relative to a media being printed, and further comprises at least one of: anerror detection module 109 operable, in use, to detect proper operation of the multiple nozzles; and aservice sub-system 111 operable, in use, to service the multiple nozzles. - The examples provide a modular architecture which is scalable to any width of printer apparatus.
- A printer apparatus, for example a media-wide array printing apparatus, may comprise a modular
print engine unit 100 as described in any of the examples above, or a plurality of modularprint engine units 100 as described above. - It should be noted that the above-mentioned examples illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative examples without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.
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EP3377328B1 (en) * | 2016-02-05 | 2021-10-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print bar sensors |
JP6859603B2 (en) * | 2016-04-12 | 2021-04-14 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid injection head unit and liquid injection device |
US20200307184A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2020-10-01 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Mapping actuation signals to actuators |
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WO2019177573A1 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2019-09-19 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Nozzle arrangements |
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DE102019104932A1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2020-03-19 | Canon Production Printing Holding B.V. | Method and device for driving printing elements of an inkjet printing system |
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AUPP702498A0 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 1998-12-03 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Image creation method and apparatus (ART77) |
US6428145B1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2002-08-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wide-array inkjet printhead assembly with internal electrical routing system |
US6450614B1 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2002-09-17 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printhead die alignment for wide-array inkjet printhead assembly |
US7699550B2 (en) | 1999-03-26 | 2010-04-20 | Datamax Corporation | Modular printer |
US7273325B2 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2007-09-25 | Fujitsu Component Limited | Thermal printer and cutter |
US6890061B1 (en) | 2003-12-16 | 2005-05-10 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Compact full-width array architecture without satellite and butting errors |
US7722163B2 (en) | 2006-10-10 | 2010-05-25 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Printhead IC with clock recovery circuit |
JP2009262540A (en) * | 2008-04-01 | 2009-11-12 | Olympus Corp | Position adjusting mechanism of recording head and image recording apparatus which carries its position adjusting mechanism |
US8262190B2 (en) | 2010-05-14 | 2012-09-11 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for measuring and compensating for process direction artifacts in an optical imaging system in an inkjet printer |
US8529007B2 (en) | 2010-11-08 | 2013-09-10 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for reflex printing to compensate for registration errors in a continuous web inkjet printer |
WO2015185149A1 (en) * | 2014-06-05 | 2015-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Modular print engine unit |
US9440442B2 (en) * | 2014-12-01 | 2016-09-13 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Printhead assembly datuming |
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